La. Guardsmen work around clock in St. Mary Parish
By Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
NEW ORLEANS Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard race the clock continuing their efforts to protect cities in southern Louisiana from possible flooding following the opening of the Morganza Spillway, May 16.
Soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade and 256th Infantry Brigade erected barriers of sand-filled HESCO baskets along the river in Amelia to help prevent water from washing ashore and ruining homes.
Were expecting anywhere from zero to five feet of water, said 2nd Lt. Gilberto Burbante, a team leader for the St. Mary Parish project. The HESCO baskets are in place to ensure that the locals are protected should any severe flooding occur.
The National Guard has been doing anything weve asked them to, said Paul P. Naquin, St. Mary Parish president. Theyve moved equipment as well as brought their own in addition to erecting the HESCO baskets.
Once the preventative measures are in place, the LANG will continue to monitor the water in case an evacuation is necessary.
With the water expected to rise following the opening of the Morganza Spillway, Guardsmen are now working 24-hour shifts to ensure that the river banks are properly protected.
Were doing everything we can to protect the citizens here, said Capt. Heather S. Englehart, project officer in charge. The National Guard will be here as long as it takes to get the job done.
Weve had four storms to hit St. Mary Parish, and the National Guard has been here for every single one, Naquin said. Were very blessed to have them working with us.
Without the National Guard, I dont know how we would be getting this done.
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AMELIA, La. Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade and 256th Infantry Brigade erect barriers of sand-filled HESCO baskets along the river to help prevent water from washing ashore and ruining homes in Amelia, La., May 16. With the water expected to rise following the opening of the Morganza Spillway, Guardsmen continue to work 24-hour shifts to ensure the river banks are properly protected. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Louisiana National Guard / Released)